Alaska Fall Colors 2024

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Chicken, Alaska

Mike's Alaska Travels

Fall foliage season is a unique experience in Alaska for a number of reasons. First of all, you can count on spectacular foliage displays wherever you go. Besides, the period of vibrant colors is a shoulder season in the Last Frontier, so there will be fewer tourists and cheaper accommodations to choose from.

Peak fall foliage in Alaska

Fall in Alaska starts and ends quite quickly—the further north you go, the earlier the colors change. Above the Arctic Circle, the changing season comes in mid-August, but the rest of Alaska turns gold between late August and early September. By the end of September, fall foliage is pretty much gone, except in Southeast Alaska.

Where do you see fall colors in Alaska

Alaska offers immense leaf-peeping opportunities: national parks, glaciers, river gorges, or highways. No matter where you go, you are sure to find a feast for your eyes. The best fall destinations in the state include Denali National Park, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and Lake Clark National Park. The cities of Fairbanks and Anchorage look gorgeous in September, a perfect time for hiking and chasing Aurora Borealis.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is the most popular fall foliage destination in Alaska. The tundra dresses up in spectacular golden colors in late August. You can soak up the fall splendor across the epic area of 6 million acres (2.4 million ha). Take your chance to snap fab photos of fiery landscapes with magnificent Mount Denali in the background. In addition, fall is the best time to spot wildlife: moose and grizzly. Stop by Teklanika River Campground or take the scenic Savage Alpine Trail, Triple Lakes Trail, or Horseshoe Lake Trail, which are especially popular in the fall. Keep in mind that many lodges and accommodations in Denali close in mid-September.

Kenai Peninsula

Southcentral Alaska boasts stunning yellow colors during fall thanks to the abundance of cottonwoods and birches. The scenic Chugach Mountains serve as a perfect background for the sea of gold and crimson. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge boasts many scenic fall trails: the Skilak Lookout Trail, the Hidden Creek Trail, the Bear Mountain Trail, and the Kenai River Trail.

Anchorage

If you're looking for some eye-catching spots near Anchorage, go kayaking on Eklunta Lake. This beautiful gem is nestled in the woods, just 40 minutes south of the city. Besides, you can take the northeast direction to the Matanuska Glacier. Every mile of the journey along the Glenn Highway will leave you in awe.

South East Alaska

Latecomers can chase fall colors in Southeast Alaska, where the fall foliage season starts in early September and may last till late October. Check out the forests of Sheep Creek, which combine evergreens with colorful shrubs and plants. You will see the best views at higher elevations. From Juneau, you can visit the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and hike to scenic Nugget Falls, which drops in two tiers into Mendenhall Lake. Another easy trail is a 3-mile (5-km) East Glacier Loop Trail with nice views of a glacier, waterfalls, and golden fall foliage..

Scenic drives in Fairbanks

Those who want to discover more fall foliage near Fairbanks can check out the scenic Route 3 west of the city. The drive boasts beautiful overlooks. Also, consider the Steese Highway, leading north to the White Mountains. Additionally, you can switch to Elliot Highway at Fox and drive through the colors until you reach the well-known Dalton Highway.

Alaska Railroad fall foliage train

One of the best ways to discover the fall colors is aboard the Alaska Railroad. A famous Hurricane Turn Train leaves from Talkeetna and passes sweeping landscapes on the way to Hurricane Gulch. The scenic round-trip journey through the wilds of the Indian River Valley allows you to discover Alaska's backcountry from the comfort of your seat. From May until mid-September, the train departs daily from Thursday through Monday. No food or beverage service is available on board. Alternatively, you could opt for a Fairbanks Family Fun Train departing from Fairbanks.

Alaska weather in the fall

Fall is a good time to travel to Alaska, thanks to moderate temperatures and clear skies. September is the best month to enjoy the great Alaskan outdoors between the rainy August and the first snowfalls in October. There's still plenty of daylight for hikes. The temperature on the mainland stays between 35 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In the Arctic Circle, the temperature stays between 28 and 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

When planning your fall colors trip in Alaska, be aware that the best time to visit the state is before late September, as most tourist businesses close towards the end of the month. Besides, you risk stranding yourself in the Great Land because of stormy weather. Also, have a look at the map below for the best hotel deals.